The pace of change is picking up in the once-conservative hydrocarbon industries. Many interesting initiatives are underway as these sectors look to play their part in both energy security and environmental sustainability, says Mr Lindsay Coutinho.
By David Sear, Valve World
“Climate change is a global concern, but it is regulations taken at the national and/or corporate level that are predominantly driving the refining and petrochemicals industries. Take the French government’s anti-waste law 2020 which aims to recycle 100% of plastics by 2025. Initiatives such as this are encouraging non-traditional players to enter the market, creating new business opportunities,” states Mr Coutinho.
Elsewhere, such as in the US, Europe and the Far East, plans are underway whereby modified refineries can convert crude oil not into petrol, but directly into plastics. Mr Coutinho: “The government in India has also called for integration of refining and petrochemical facilities, whilst global oil and gas companies are collaborating with innovative start-ups to set-up or reconfigure existing refineries which run on alternative feedstock such as waste cooking oil. Over in the US, biorefineries are also emerging which use bamboo or wheat husks as a raw material. More extensive recycling and the use of electricity or hydrogen as energy sources for transportation are also factors which, I am convinced, will change the face of the refining and petrochemicals sectors.” Mr Coutinho notes that the pace of change is unlikely to be rapid. “Whilst keen to address climate change, governments have to bear in mind the energy challenges of ever-growing populations and to avoid energy poverty. Putting this into perspective, the traditional refining and petrochemicals industries will certainly be around in the medium term.”
Reliable valve solutions
Valmet offers products such as the Neles T5 series top entry rotary ball valve that are designed to meet the requirements of chemical, petrochemical and refining industries. The unique trunnion-mounted Stemball™ and the capability to use Neles Q-trim™ technology anti-cavitation and noise attenuation trims make the T5 valve series suitable for a wide range of demanding heavy duty control applications including anti surge and blow down services.
Nevertheless, these sectors are responding to demands to become more climate friendly. “The CEOs I follow are totally committed to leaving behind a planet that will sustain future generations. They focus on driving climate friendly initiatives, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS); energy efficiency and emission mitigation. Waste to Energy and regeneration of plastics, entails converting refining and petrochemicals production from a linear to a circular process. These initiatives will increase the need for superior process & flow control products as well as digitalization.”
Asked how OEMs could tap into emerging business opportunities, Mr Coutinho notes the importance of being both curious and honest. “I started my career in direct sales so know at first hand the benefit of asking questions. The more we ask the better informed we are, hence we can identify and propose the optimum solution for the customer, balancing price and performance. In sales, the objective is not so much to try and sell the client a product, but rather to help him to purchase a long-lasting solution.”
In short, the energy transition will bring opportunities, not threats, for positively-minded suppliers, believes Mr Coutinho. “I certainly perceive interesting opportunities for high-tech companies such as Valmet, thanks to our track record of providing total systems in applications such as pulp and paper as well as power generation.”
Look beyond the valve
When valves fail, it is vital for suppliers to act promptly, acknowledging, identifying and rectifying the problem. However, Mr Coutinho notes the importance of looking at the complete process. “Due diligence is key as problems such as corrosion or wear in a valve may be caused by issues elsewhere in the process. Such issues must be openly and honestly discussed with the customer. Based on twenty-five years of experience I can honestly say that a valve which has been properly selected using all the available data will not cause any unforeseen problems.”
Meet Mr Coutinho
A native of Goa, India, Mr Lindsay Coutinho moved abroad to gain a broader world perspective. Having been in the Middle East for over twenty years he is currently based in Dubai as an industry manager with global responsibility for the refining and chemicals industries in Valmet’s Flow Control business line.
Mr Coutinho is passionate about community service which he finds very fulfilling. He also enjoys engaging with, and learning from, the current and upcoming generations. Influential figures include his father (an entrepreneur who ran his own business), Blue Star’s Mr Arun Khorana
(who fostered his passion for and career in sales) and Neles Controls’ Mr. Pentti Tahvanainen (who showed the value of customer partnerships).
About this Featured Story
This Featured Story is an article from our Valve World Magazine, November 2023 issue. To read other featured stories and many more articles, subscribe to our print magazine. Available in both print and digital formats. DIGITAL MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOW FREE.
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